• PNGIMR 40th Anniversary a Success
• Introducing the EID project
• PNG SDP donates K20,000 to PNGIMR for its 40th Anniversary & Colloquium celebrations
• National Health policy to be put in place - Zibe
• Governor General Congratulates PNGIMR
• Medical and social scientists say PNG has highest rate of HIV/AIDS
• PNGIMR receives approx K8million research grant from AusAID
• HINARI training a success
• IMR donates gastroendoscope to Goroka Hospital
• PNG Medical Journal Assistant Editor attends meeting in Korea
• PNGIMR Madang Social club promotes community relations
• VBDRU Administration Managers change of office
• New Staff
• Taime congratulates 40th Anniversary celebrations organizing team

By Frank Rai

A National Policy for Research in Papua New Guinea is now being finalised by the National Department of Health to guide both local and external researchers as well as research institutions in carrying out health researches in the country.

This was revealed by the Minister for Health and HIV/AIDS Sasa Zibe at the opening of the Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research (PNGIMR) Colloquium and 40th Anniversary celebration at the University of Goroka’s Dr Mark Solon Auditorium yesterday.

Mr Zibe told more than 200 participants, both international and local (medical and social) scientists at the gathering that the policy was being finalised and would be presented to the National Executive Council after endorsement from the National Health Board.

“It is a milestone for PNG because it will serve as a guide in coordination, control and implementation of research activities and studies in the country. It will also improve service delivery, health outcomes and the quality of life of our citizens,” Mr Zibe said.

The minister added that the policy would strengthen, encourage and enhance coordination and collaboration amongst the researchers in achieving the ultimate aims of improving the quality of life of the people.

Mr Zibe said the policy would set an agenda for changes to the PNGIMR legislation which include governance and regularity functions.

“In a nutshell, the policy will make the PNGIMR more effective, proactive and responsive in its mandated responsibilities and obligations to the government and the people of this country,” he said.

Mr Zibe also said that what was important for the health policies to be driven by research findings where it was important for PNGIMR to build the local scientific capacity by training young Papua New Guinean scientists.

“I challenge the (PNG) IMR to initiate a long term training plan for local medical researchers and social scientists to maintain the reputation set by this research institute. More graduates should be encouraged to enter this program, which at the moment is regarded as the unattractive and dull area of work,” the Health Minister said.

Mr Zibe also concluded that it was important for PNGIMR to be guided and sufficiently funded to conduct researches into the many health problems within the rural areas, adding that the assistance would ultimately lead to effective interventions to improve the health of the people.

In complementing the high quality of work done at the PNGIMR, Mr Zibe presented a K50 000 cheque to support research work at the institute.

The opening was attended by 52 international medical and social scientists, 200 members of PNGIMR branches throughout the country, Governor General Grand Chief Sir Paulias Matane who officiated the opening ceremony, Western Governor Bob Danaya, Okapa MP Bonny Oveyara, PNGIMR Patron Sir Peter Barter and other PNGIMR collaborating partners.